I'm having a tough time making up my mind. Should I bake this or that or maybe this or maybe that? Then I remember ... it's PMS week and that's a classic tell. Wishy washy. Not good timing when God is in the details this week LOL.
Cookies: I made ginger snaps, but not the vintage recipe because it makes a huge batch -- even if you cut it in half (gets wonky to cut it down again). I made a paleo ginger snap 1/2 recipe instead -- makes 12 cookies. I ate 3 ... high math says I have 9 left for Christmas Eve. Perfect. They aren't as good as the real deal, but it satisfies my craving for a ginger cookie.
With the big recipe off the table, I made a pecan merengue cookie from the vintage book (using the fresh pecans my neighbor gifted us). My gram made these as Forgotten Cookies that you leave in an oven overnight, but this called for low and slow bake. They got a little color (bummer), but they're so good. I'm going to make another batch soon, but try them like my gram did (hot oven, turn off and don't touch until morning). Only makes a small tray and they won't keep until Christmas, so we're enjoying them now.
Here's my cookie dilemma ... should I bother to make the lime coolers? I think I should skip them because we have SO MANY GOOD sweets for those 2 days. It's a lot of work and I don't think they'll get eaten given the other choices and knowing my family. I'm leaning toward saving them for another time. I think I'm hesitating because I've been dreaming of the ginger snaps and lime coolers for a month -- turns out I'm making neither.
Cooking for Christmas Eve: I made GF sausage balls and they turned out better than the regular. I thought I was buying GF biscuit mix, but it was pancake mix (so many goof-ups this week). I used GF flour and baking powder instead and changed up the ratios based on comments and my last go at it. Baked a couple to try and they're fabulous.
Since I'm bumping the lime coolers, I'll start on the crab cakes. I want this off my to-do list. Lots of steps and messing pan frying. They freeze cooked and will heat up in the oven. I HOPE I can find some freezer space.
Books: I finished The Widow of Rose House (Diana Biller). It was a fun, easy read. Out the blue there are some super duper detailed sexy moments -- it was a bit of a clutch-the-pearls moment given the flavor of the rest of the story LOL.
Changing up my promise on book buying. I'm about 2/3 finished with Braiding Sweetgrass, started a short memoir yesterday (can't remember the title -- about the editor of Gourmet Magazine) and I have the suspense book purchased on kindle. I want to finish these 3 before I buy -- reading more than I said, but I think that will dip me down to guilt-free buying level (!!) and take me through the new year.
Today: I have 2 video calls. Catch up with the high school gals and I asked everyone to show their favorite Christmas decoration and why -- trying to gather with a little intention and connection. We'll see if they participate -- I think it's a 50/50 shot. Bookclub in the afternoon. I didn't like the book, but I'll join the call anyway. Looks like a big group for the discussion today.
Hubby tried to pickup the package that was delivered to our old house. Not left outside like they said, people home (garage up) and they refused to answer the door. Fun. A friend texted her and has the package at her house now. We're going to pick it up this morning. Apparently they painted the house and I'm super curious to see it. This feels fun.
Pictures: Monti is pure JOY. Look at this sweet boy.
This sums up the week. More to do than I wanted, but all by my own choice. It's fun, but a lot of work. What was I thinking?? Morning quiet time and coffee to the rescue. Have a happy day and stay well.
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